The visual system of infants develops rapidly from birth. Timely check-ups and careful observation allow for the early detection of potential eye problems. As experienced pediatric ophthalmologists in Ankara, we understand how important it is to monitor your baby’s visual development during the first year.
Immediately after birth, infants are highly sensitive to bright light. Their pupils are small, limiting the amount of light entering the eyes. At this stage, babies can use their peripheral vision, but central vision is not yet fully developed.
Within the first few weeks, the pupils grow, and babies begin to distinguish between light and dark. Bright colors and large objects may capture their attention. By one month of age, they can briefly focus on their mother’s or father’s face.
During this period, some infants may show eye drifting or eyes looking in different directions, but this is usually temporary. Eye coordination begins to develop from around the 2nd month, and tracking moving objects with their eyes is an expected milestone during this stage.
If your baby’s eye consistently turns inward or outward, this may be a sign of strabismus. It is recommended to consult an experienced pediatric ophthalmologist in Ankara for evaluation and treatment.
From around the 5th month, babies can better distinguish distances between objects, which allows them to begin perceiving the world in three dimensions. They can recognize colors more accurately and may identify and respond to a person at a distance.
At this stage, it is completely normal for a baby to recognize their parent from a distance, watch outside through a window, and remember an object that is partially hidden.
Around the 9th month, babies become better at judging distances. Standing, crawling, and taking their first steps are indicators of this development. Eye color is mostly settled by this stage. After the 10th month, babies can grasp small objects using their thumb and index finger.
Undetected vision problems during infancy can negatively affect a child’s development. Therefore, it is very important to follow these steps:
Your baby’s eye health is just as important as their overall development. As an experienced pediatric ophthalmologist in Ankara, we work to ensure that children achieve a healthy visual system through early diagnosis and treatment. You can contact us to schedule an eye examination or to learn more information.